Holy Family 2019
St. Benedict Cathedral

Epiphany A 2020
St. Theresa of Avila, Salem, IL
St. Benedict Cathedral

Forty-two years ago on this feast, at Miss Schubert’s insistence, I had to sing verse 4 of We Three Kings. I wasn’t overly excited about it: Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume... Little did I realize in 1978 how important that experience would be almost 20 years later when I was appointed choirmaster at the abbey. Sometimes we receive untimely gifts that prove important later.

I can only imagine that Mary and Joseph wondered what those Magi were doing in Bethlehem, in a stable, lit by a star. And surely they wondered what type of gifts incense and burial spices were. But those gifts would become all too necessary three decades later. The wisdom brought to bear by the Magi would all make sense another time.

Brothers and sisters, we are given so many gifts that we don’t recognize as valuable today. But in time, God’s goodness bears great fruit for us and through us for others. What gifts have you been given out of time? Are you holding on to that gift till it’s helpful? And what odd gifts, given out of time, have you given? Have you seen them bear fruit? May God help us today and always be generous with the gifts he’s given us to His glory and honor.

St. Ben's Women's Retreat - January 31 - February 2nd at Sarto Retreat Center

Registration form below.  Day or overnight retreat options.  Registration due by Jan. 20th. 

Mardi Gras 2020 - SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, February 8, 2020 in the Eykamp Hall in the Ridgway Center on the University of Evansville campus.  5:30 – midnight.  Dinner, dance & auction.  Reservations are due by January 27th.